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Emery offers positive update after Arsenal suffer double injury concern against Saints

By on February 25, 2019

Unai Emery has offered an update on Alex Iwobi and Stephan Lichtsteiner after they picked up knocks against Southampton plus the Arsenal boss provided the latest on Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Iwobi went in to yesterday’s game in fine form and the Nigerian international rightly kept his place in the Arsenal attack as he lined-up alongside Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette.

The 22-year-old continued his excellent form with another impressive display as he set-up Mkhitaryan to double our advantage in the 17th minute after Lacazette had given Arsenal an early lead at the Emirates.

However, Iwobi picked up a calf problem midway through the second half and after receiving some treatment from the Arsenal physios, he was eventually replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 75th minute.

Lichtsteiner kept his place at right-back on Sunday but the experienced full-back was also forced off during the 2-0 win over Southampton after being replaced by Laurent Koscielny early in the second half.

Thankfully it doesn’t sound like either situation is serious as Emery says Iwobi’s injury is only a knock while Lichtsteiner has a minor back problem. Both players will be assessed at London Colney today but Emery hasn’t ruled them out of the game against Bournemouth on Wednesday just yet.

The Arsenal coach also offered an update on Maitland-Niles after he missed the games with Southampton and BATE Borisov through illness but Emery is hopeful the midfielder will be available to return against the Cherries.

Emery told Arsenal.com:

on Alex Iwobi…
I hope it’s only one knock and not a more important injury. I hope he can play Wednesday.

on Stephan Lichtsteiner…
Lichtsteiner has back pain but I think he can also be okay for Wednesday.

on Ainsley Maitland-Niles…
I hope also Maitland-Niles can be ready for Wednesday.

Let’s hope Iwobi’s injury is only minor as it would be a big blow to lose him just as he’s starting to find some real form and with Hector Bellerin out for the season it’s important Lichtsteiner and/or Maitland-Niles are fit to take on Bournemouth in midweek.